DCL excursion-Stingray City ?

[rsjj]

Hi all! I was wondering if any of you have booked the Stingray City Observatory & Island Tour directly through DCL. Are you actually in the water with the rays? Or is it like an aquarium setting? Because on the brochure, it stated it's not a "swimming with the rays". Does anyone know?

I have a 2 & 4 yo, and a DH who doesn't know how to swim! I was getting info from Captain Marvins, as well as other members from this board, and it sounds a bit scary & intimidating for my DH. My DS4 is excited about swimming with the rays, but who knows what will happen when we're actually there! I've read from others that it was scary for some, but not for others.

Oh, I wish someone has been on this particular excursion, and can help me! Thank you, in advance!

 

[mark & sandra]

We did the stingray tour in Grand Cayman with Capt. Marvins. You take about 20-25 min. boat ride out from land and you reach an area that is badsically a sand bar. The boat drops anchor in about 4 feet of water and you get off the boat. There are places where the water is about 3 feet deep too. There are usually many other boats doing the same thing as you. My kids DD11, and DS 9 freaked out. DD went right back into boat and DS clung to his father. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. Rays are looking for handouts. If you don't have any they move on. They do bump you though. My DH thought another adult was pushing him and it turned out to be a large ray pushing him from the rear.

 

[WDWLVR]

rsjj

We did the regular excusion through Disney where you get to go in the water with the Stingrays. One thing to know is that you don't have to go in the water if you don't want to and you can come and go off the boat as you wish.

To answer your question however, I believe that the observatory is a glass bottom or semi-submersible boat. Stingray City is really a sand bar about 1/2 hour from shore. I believe that for this tour you go out on a boat that has a lower level where you can watch the stingrays from glass windows. I could be wrong but that would be my guess based on having been there with the other DCL excursion.

One thing to keep in mind for you DH - you won't really be swimming on this excursion. I'm 5' 6" and the water only went up to my chest. I don't think they always park the boat in the exact same place and since it is a sandbar that may change. We went in May and the sea was very, very calm. I've read about others who went when it was more choppy and they would get lifted up by the surf.

 

[rsjj]

Thank you for you replies! I just found out that this particular excursion was previously named LAND & SEA ISLAND TOUR. So if anyone else have been on the Western cruise, and have done this excursion through DCL, please let me know whether you get to be in the water or not.

Previously, when it was named LAND & SEA ISLAND TOUR, the brochure stated that it was for 5 yrs and up. But in our new excursion brochure, not only was it a name change (STINGRAY CITY OBSERVATORY & ISLAND TOUR), but the there was also age change (now it's for all ages).

I'm hoping someone have done this LAND & SEA ISLAND TOUR, and can give me insights. Since I only got 2 responses, (and I appreciate them!), maybe others have done this excursion under the old name?

Thank you!

 

[DreaminDisney]

I too was wondering if anyone else has done this.

rsjj: This is some info from DU.........

Hit the island's highlights. First, guests will travel in an air-conditioned bus to the harbor where they will board a catamaran for the trip to Stingray City. From there, they will board a moored semi-submarine that will take them five feet below the surface. Large windows provide a fish-eye's view of underwater life where countless rays reside. A narrator will provide insight into these fascinating creatures. The tour concludes with a journey to a place on the island named "Hell" and a visit to the Cayman Turtle Farm, the only commercial sea turtle nursery in the world. And don't miss the sights along the way - Government House, the colonial-style mansion where His Excellency, the Governor, resides; and all the major landmarks in George Town, Cayman's capital

It doesn't sound like you go in the water.